Vodcasts, Podcasts, and Articles
Hi everyone, here are some things I have been up to lately.
First, a video about the Parables of Enoch!
I spasmodically make “Ancient Texts and Traditions” videos and this one focuses on the Enochic Parables especially the enigmatic figure of the “Son of Man.” The Enochic Parables are very relevant for the study of ancient Judaism, the Book of Revelation, and early christology. Debates focus on whether the worship of the Son of Man in 1 Enoch is a kind of analog for the worship of Jesus in early Christianity. So here’s a 30-minute primer on Parables of Enoch.
Second, a video about Papias of Hierapolis, one of the apostolic fathers, the generation after the apostles, featuring Dr. Stephen Carlson.
Third, I appeared on the Bibleology and Institute for Bible Reading podcasts to talk about my book “7 Things.”
Fourth, I was interviewed by BibleGateway about “7 Things.” Here’s an excerpt:
What is the purpose of the Bible?
Michael F. Bird: People have different ideas about what the Bible is for or how the Bible should function in the church, my state, or even in my life.
For some people, the Old Testament is about how to run a righteousness nation, and the New Testament is how to get saved – which is not my view.
I think the Bible has four key purposes. Yes, I’m sure you could think of others, but here are the top four in my mind.
First, for knowledge, the Bible is revelation. It’s meant to reveal, teach, and instruct. The Bible teaches us about God, his mysterious nature and immense being, his purposes, and plan. We read the Bible to know God better.
Second, for faith. The Bible calls us to believe and trust in God. Faith can mean many things, but above all, it means entrusting ourselves to the faithfulness of God in Jesus Christ. The Bible is an invitation to faith in the God who made us and who first loved us when we were far away.
Third, for love. The Bible has two main ethical commands: love of God and love of neighbor. According to the great Latin theologian Augustine, you can measure any interpretation of the Bible on the criterion that it builds up love for God and love for neighbor. The Bible calls us to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself.
Fourth, for hope. The Bible gives us hope that God is for us, with us, and will never abandon us. I’ll never forget the first time I really read and reflect on Paul’s words in Romans 15:4: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (NIV). The Bible is not rules and regulations, it is for our hope for a hurting world, a world with can be brutal as it is dark. But in the darkest of places, the light of Jesus Christ shines and tell us, “I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).